Support Aerospace

PLEASE, WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The cost of doing an aerospace degree is a real bargain compared to other programs
around the country, but it’s still expensive. And while MTSU is a state university,
much of the burden of financing an education in the field of aviation depends on the
student. Many of our students are the first in their families to attend university.
Maybe you were one yourself.

Even small amounts add up to a lot and that can have an HUGE IMPACT on the lives of
these students—the next generation in the Aviation Industry. In 2018 there are about
800 students in the Aerospace Department's programs, including 400 pro pilots.

Here's what the Department needs…and why...

Adopt-a-Plane

Refurbish the Aircraft. Our Diamond and Piper airframes are aging and in order to
extend their useful life the department has made the decision to refurbish the existing
fleet. This represents a substantial savings, but it still costs quite a bit—about
$75,000-$200,000 per plane…and MTSU has 20 Diamonds and 6 Pipers.

For donors adopting a plane, we are happy to put your name on the aircraft in recognition
of your support. We would love to see cohort years pitch in together – “This aircraft
was lovingly refurbished by the Class of…”!

Adopt-a-Pilot

Flight Lab Stipends

The average pro pilot student spends $50,000 on flight labs. While this cost is experienced
over the four years that the student is enrolled, these fees are unique to the major
and far exceed any other across the university.

Adopt-a-Mechanic

Airframe and Powerplant students are required to furnish all of their own tools. This
can run into the thousands of dollars. With a gift to a student mechanic, they might
carry the tools you helped to buy throughout their career.

Adopt-a-Dispatcher

All graduates from the program are required as part of their capstone course to participate
in the focus lab that simulates an airline operations center. The ramp tower, software
and computers necessary to operate this simulation are in regular need of updating
to stay ahead of the innovation curve.

Unmanned Aerial Systems

The newest program in the Aerospace Department is popular and would benefit greatly
from support to expand its capacity. Gifts to this program will go a long way toward
helping keep it cutting-edge and relevant to industries across the state and nation.
Platforms and software needed to run critical simulations are in need of constant
updating and upgrading. Your gift can help make an enormous impact in this field.

Adopt-an-Air-Traffic Controller

For students undertaking the ATC minor there is a critical need to have the software
and hardware to run the tower simulator. The company supplying the simulator has gone
out of business and glitches in the system have no support. A new system that can
run on the existing hardware is being sought. If you can help, please get in touch!

Odds & Ends

Discretionary Funds for Departmental Needs

Emergency repair funds, and student travel support such as the Skills Competition
for the Maintenance Clubs or AUS teams participating in a hackathon.

ADSB Transponders

All of these need to be replaced by 2020! And that costs about $12,000 for each of
our 20 Diamonds and between $5 and $7,000 for our three Piper Arrows

If you can help add to the Transponder Fund, please let us know!

Air Race Classic

Support our women in aviation with a gift to the Air Race Classic Fund

Go Big…HELP BUILD A BUILDING!

The entire facility at the Murfreesboro Airport is in need of expansion. If you can
contribute a substantial sum please let us know. We’d like to discuss possibilities
with you!

If you can help in other ways, please don’t hesitate to contact Jared Bryson, the
Director of Development for the College of Basic and Applied Science atjared.bryson@mtsu.eduor by calling 615-898-5003